Bill > HB102

This bill aims to revise laws related to the Montana Office of State Public Defender by creating a more structured and comprehensive approach to providing public defense services. The bill establishes clearer distinctions between conflict and nonconflict regional offices, redefines the roles and responsibilities of key administrators, and centralizes certain management functions. Specifically, it creates more detailed protocols for hiring, supervising, and managing public defenders across different divisions, including establishing standards for case assignments, training, and performance evaluations. The bill removes previous requirements for specific training standards in child abuse and neglect cases and instead consolidates training oversight under the central services division. It also modifies reporting requirements and standardizes titles for public defender personnel, such as changing "deputy" to "regional" public defenders. The legislation repeals two existing sections related to training programs and contracted services, instead integrating these functions more directly into the central services division's responsibilities. The changes are intended to improve the efficiency, consistency, and quality of public defender services across Montana by providing more centralized management and clearer operational guidelines.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0254